The former senior pastor of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, has officially launched his new church, Family Fellowship, in Victoria Island, Lagos, despite ongoing controversy.
Iluyomade, who was pastor of the City of David Parish of the RCCG, was suspended last year following backlash over his lavish celebration of his wife’s 60th birthday, which many deemed inappropriate in light of the tragic helicopter crash death of Herbert Wigwe in the United States.
On Sunday, January 19th, Pastor Iluyomade held the inaugural service at his newly established church.
Videos from the service, which have since gone viral, show the clergyman joyously dancing with members of his congregation as they worshipped together.
Pastor Iluyomade’s suspension from RCCG, which included a three-month break and an investigation into allegations surrounding his conduct, came after widespread criticism of his actions.
Iluyomade’s resignation came after his suspension by the RCCG board last year, following criticism over his extravagant celebration of his wife’s 60th birthday.
The event was widely criticised as insensitive, occurring shortly after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash in the United States.
Many users reacted strongly to the news. Ayinke Ade stated, “This one has no remorse whatsoever,” while others voiced similar sentiments about the commercialisation of the church.
One commenter, Ogboye Official, wrote, “Called by God, suspended by man. Una well done,” indicating a belief that Iluyomade’s suspension was unjust.
Meanwhile, some people criticized the growing trend of churches being seen as business ventures.
Jarvis Olamide expressed, “They can’t do nothing afterward because they know all they gotta do is brainwash people to drop money. They got their own lifestyle.”
Others, like Emelda Ifeme2, seemed more accepting, writing, “Business must continue,” while Precious Capable echoed the sentiment, stating, “Business must be made.”
It_Chioma penned: “Church business will continue to strive in Nigeria because people want to believe in something. They want to believe someone is responsible for their problems, they want to believe their pastor has all the solutions to their problems and that he can save them. Pastors on the other hand use this mindset as a weapon to extort the people.”
philkikis stated: “He’s not the first pastor to be suspended from RCCG, and he won’t be the last!!! they all went ahead to open their’s and became independent pastors, with RCCG experience!!! 85 of new churches with new names emanated from RCCG, Their lead pastors were either suspended or left RCCG. Go and verify 👌.”
oluwasetomicute penned: “Congratulations to him on becoming a CEO of his own business 👏. Now it’s a battle of pulling crowds.”
Mrklassiq_ said: “I guess since redeem suspended him , God decided to call him personally.”
